MUSWEN Applauds Tinubu’s Two-Year Achievements, Decries Marginalisation of South-West Muslims

The Muslim Ummah of South-West Nigeria (MUSWEN) has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what it described as remarkable achievements in his first two years in office. However, the Islamic umbrella body also raised serious concerns over the marginalisation of South-West Muslims in federal appointments under the current administration.

In a press statement released on Tuesday, June 3, 2025, and jointly signed by MUSWEN President, Alhaji Rasaki Oladejo, and Executive Secretary/CEO, Prof. Muslih ‘Tayo Yahya, the organisation expressed appreciation for the president’s strides in economic reforms, infrastructural development, and national security.

According to the statement titled “Two Years in Office: MUSWEN commends Tinubu’s achievements, asks him to address marginalisation of South West Muslims in Federal appointments”, the group noted, “Over the past two years, the administration has made notable strides in various sectors… It gladdens our hearts to notice that the president’s reform effort has started bearing root despite strident opposition criticism.”

However, MUSWEN drew attention to what it described as the underrepresentation of South-West Muslims in federal appointments. The group argued that despite the region’s demographic and intellectual significance, Muslims from the South-West have not been adequately considered for roles in ministries, agencies, and parastatals.

Citing Section 14(3) of the 1999 Constitution which mandates balanced representation, the statement highlighted, “The South West region… is home to a vibrant Muslim community… Regrettably, the representation of South West Muslims in key federal positions does not reflect the region’s demographic and intellectual weight.”

MUSWEN also referred to recent figures from the presidency suggesting that nearly 70 percent of federal appointments have gone to Christian southerners, leaving Muslims in Southern Nigeria, particularly in the South-West, largely excluded.

The organisation urged President Tinubu to take deliberate steps to correct what it called “a pressing concern,” and to engage with Muslim stakeholders from the region to ensure inclusive governance that fosters national unity and trust.

Reaffirming its support for the administration, MUSWEN pledged continued collaboration in nation-building and prayed for divine guidance for the president.

“We believe that President Tinubu, as a leader known for his responsiveness to constructive criticism, will take decisive action to correct this imbalance,” the statement concluded.

The group also urged the government to intensify efforts in fighting insecurity, reducing corruption, and stabilising the economy, which it said are critical to national well-being.